(1) The … Read Full Bio ↴Youth Brigade can refer to two different punk music groups.
(1) The first was a punk music trio formed by brothers Mark Stern, Adam Stern, and Shawn Stern, in Hollywood, California in 1980. The band has broken up and subsequently re-formed a number of times. They have been together again for several years as of 2006, and playing shows throughout California. Youth Brigade have only released a few records, but were influential as the founders of the Better Youth Organization, an independent record label and concert booking firm.
(2) Youth Brigade was also another, unrelated punk band from Washington D.C., who released a 7" EP on Dischord Records in 1981. This band subsequently, during their short life, called themselves DC Youth Brigade. Youth Brigade DC also has 3 tracks featured on the 1982 Dischord compilation Flex Your Head. An unreleased song entitled "I Object" is also featured on the 20 Years of Dischord compliation set. Although only around for a short period of time the DC Youth Brigade played shows with the legendary Minor Threat. Their style is also now considered a classic example of American hardcore punk.
Alive By Machine
Youth Brigade Lyrics
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The lyrics of "Alive By Machine" by Youth Brigade reflect on the idea of being kept alive by machines, that humans need a heart, a soul, and emotions to truly live. The song tells the story of people who are being kept alive by machines, either because of a bone-crushing accident or a slow and painful decay. The lyrics question whether the young will fight to live or the old will fade away. The miracle of science saves them another day, but is being alive by machine really better than faith, hope, and dreams?
The song tries to explore the limits of human life, and suggests that being kept alive by machines is not truly living. The lyrics paint a picture of a lonely and forlorn existence, where there is no feeling or emotions. Life is reduced to functions of the body and a prayer. The sounds of life go on outside the window, but in this lonely place, the rhythm is forlorn. The song suggests that being alive by machine is an ethically questionable way of living, and may not be worth the extended years of life.
Overall, "Alive By Machine" raises important questions about the value of life and the limits of modern medicine, and suggests that human life is more than just a collection of biological functions.
Line by Line Meaning
it could be late one nite or the middle of the day
The possibility of an accident or illness can strike anytime, day or night.
bone-crushing accident or the pain of slow decay
The trauma could come from an instant, violent injury or the slow deterioration of the body over time.
can the young life fight will the old one fade away
A young person may have the strength to fight off illness or injury, but an older person may not. Age can be a factor in survival.
the miracle of science saves them another day
Medical technology can provide aid and prolong life for those who are sick or injured.
alive by machine better than faith hope & dreams
In some cases, it is better to rely on medical technology to keep someone alive instead of relying on hope or faith alone.
alive by machine is this really life support
Being sustained by a machine can blur the line between living and being kept alive artificially.
when one cannot be alive probably not less than thirty years ago
Not long ago, being kept alive by machines was not a possibility, and death was more certain in these situations.
alive without a life me i'm better off dead
A person kept alive by machines may not have a fulfilling life, and may feel that death would be a better alternative.
outside the window the sounds of life go on
Despite someone being kept alive by machines, the rest of the world continues to move on.
but in this lonely place the rhythm is forlorn
Being kept alive by machines can be a lonely experience, devoid of the natural rhythms of life.
keep you beating breathing feeding never think or feel
Medical technology can perform the necessary bodily functions, but cannot replicate the emotional and mental experiences of being alive.
life is more than functions of the body and a prayer
True life is not just a matter of physical functions being performed, but encompasses the emotional and spiritual components as well.
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.